Visiting： Beijing, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi'an, and Guilin

Brief introduction: 

You can enjoy the tour by visiting historical sites in most important historical cities- Beijing, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi'an, and picturesque city Guilin.

Day 1

Destinations: Arrive in Beijing

Today's Activities:Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts - an ancient capital with some incredible historical sites and a bustling modern metropolis getting ready to host the 2008 Olympics. Upon your arrival in Beijing, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your Hotel. The guide will give you some tips on local restaurants that we recommend and you can do some shopping in streets nearby. The rest of the day is free to rest to recover from jetlag or to explore by yourself.

Meals:

Day 2

Destinations: Beijing

Today's Activities:After breakfast head out for Tian'anmen quare, the world's largest public square, which is closely linked to The Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. Later you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors prayed for good harvests and rain, or gave thanks for the harvest. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the old Beijing handicraft workshop.

Meals: lunch

Day 3

Destinations: Beijing

Today's Activities:Leave town in the morning for the drive (a bit under two hours) to the Badaling Section of The Great Wall , The Forbidden City, which stretches for over 6000 km, and was originally built to protect China from the barbarians. You can walk and climb at your own pace, or enjoy spectacular views from the cable car. Before returning to the city you'll enjoy visiting the Changling (one of the Ming Tombs), and the attractive tree-lined < Sacred Way , bordered by stone statues, along which the Emperors once trod to conduct their sacred ceremonies. During the day a visit to Jade Caving Factory or Cloisonne (enamelware) workshop is included. Dinner tonight is at Quanjude Restaurant, where you'll eat some of the best 'Peking Duck' in Beijing.

Meals: lunch

Day 4

Destinations: Beijing to Taiyuan (overnight train)

Today's Activities:After experiencing royal life today there is the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride to the Hutong where we visit a local flea market which is an excellent example of typical architecture of this area. You may find some interesting things and learn how to bargain. You will also visit with a local family and talk to the family members to gain a true understanding of life in this region and to have an experience of this unique form of community. We can guarantee you will have impressive stories to tell your friends after this. Then to the Summer Palace, which is equally famous as the Forbidden City. It is the best preserved and the largest imperial gardens in China.

Meals: lunch

Day 5

Destinations: Arrive at Taiyuan, Taiyuan to Pingyao

Today's Activities:"Jinci Temple: Lies in the Xuanweng foothill, which is 25 kilometers from the southwest of Taiyuan city, it is the temple of Jin Emperor in ancient times; it is initially built during the northern Wei Dynasty (386-535) for memorizing the second son Jiyu of Zhouwu Emperor. Jinci Temple is one of the national key cultural relic reserves, enjoys the reputation of ""Little South of the Yangtze River"".

- Qiao Family's Compound: Built in 1755, this well-preserved and exquisite structure used to be the residence of Qiao Zhiyong, who was a famous businessman during the Qing Dynasty."

Meals:

Day 6

Destinations: Pingyao to Xi'an (overnight train)

Today's Activities:The Ancient City Wall: the ancient city wall of Pingyao with nearly 3,000 years of history keeps the original appearance of city wall constructed in early Ming Dynasty.

Meals: lunch

Day 7

Destinations: Arrive in Xi'an

Today's Activities: Ancient City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.

Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes."

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Day 8

Destinations: Xi'an

Today's Activities: Terracotta Warriors and Horses are part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Many of the figures - soldiers, archers, horses and chariots have been restored. The repairs and excavations continue at the site where you can see both repaired and broken warriors in a truly impressive display. There is also an excellent museum which includes bronze chariots unearthed nearby, and a film about the history and discovery of the tomb. In the afternoon we’re going to the Bell Tower where you can get a bird’s view of the city from the top. There is a music performance of the ancient music and a display of the instruments. We will continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India.

Meals: lunch

Day 9

Destinations: Xi'an to Guilin

Today's Activities: Elephant Trunk Hill : At the confluence of Li River and Peach Blossom River in the southwest of Guilin city. The stone drooped into the water looks like an elephant drinking the water from the Li River.

Reed Flute Cave : Known as 'the Palace of Natural Arts' this large and well-presented cave system has some remarkable formations.

Meals:

Day 10

Destinations: Guilin

Today's Activities:Guilin is famous for its stunning scenery, and the best way to see it is from the deck of a Li River Cruise boat. The boats leave from various wharves, according to river height at different times of the year, and you'll be transferred to the appropriate pier for an unforgettable trip downriver to the lovely old town of Yangshuo. You can spend the afternoon exploring the little town, or take an optional excursion to the local villages.

Meals: lunch

Day 11

Destinations: Guilin to Shanghai

Today's Activities:Fly on to Shanghai. On arrival we will go directly to The Bund - the old colonial sector, which is home to a myriad of European-styled buildings that face the Huangpu River. It is a must-see when visiting Shanghai. Architectural styles include gothic, baroque, Romanesque, and renaissance.

Meals:

Day 12

Destinations: Shanghai

Today's Activities:You'll be delighted by this, the largest city in China, with its phenomenal mixture of space-age buildings, gorgeous shops, and the remnants of the old Concession areas Nanjing Road and the Bund. Shanghai has a buzz that is all its own! Today you visit the lovely old Yuyuan Garden, the Shanghai Museum, which rivals the Shaanxi Museum in Xi'an and is well worth a visit, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower (also known as the Pearl Tower, for its distinctive shape). The second-highest platform provides wonderful views over Shanghai and the Huang Pu River, and those with a good head for heights can choose to buy a ticket to continue on to the very top.

Meals: lunch

Day 13

Destinations: Shanghai to Home

Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)

Meals